BARCELONA ARE SEEKING at least €8.5 million from Neymar for breach of contract, the club said today.
Following his world record €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain, the Catalan giants are planning legal action against the Brazilian superstar.
“In this lawsuit, the club demands the amount already paid as a bonus for the renewal of his contract for breach of contract, €8.5 million in damages, and an additional 10% in interests,” Barcelona said in a statement.
Neymar signed a new five-year deal with Barca in 2016, but the Catalans were powerless to stop his move to PSG just a year later as the French side met the buy-out clause in his contract.
Barca added the demand was lodged against Neymar on 11 August with Barcelona’s employment court, eight days after his stunning move to Ligue 1.
The Catalan giants have also passed the claim onto Fifa and the French Football Federation via the Spanish Football Federation to take what they see as “the appropriate legal effects”.
Moreover, Barca urged PSG to pay the amount they are seeking if Neymar — who is reported to earn €30m after tax for the next five years in Paris — isn’t able to meet their demands.
The club’s latest move comes two days after Neymar fiercely criticised Barcelona’s under-fire board after scoring twice in a stunning home debut as PSG beat Toulouse 6-2 on Sunday.
There are people in charge that shouldn’t be there,” Neymar told reporters. “Barca deserve much more and everyone knows that.”
Barcelona have also withheld a €26m bonus due to Neymar for signing the renewal to his contract last year.
“The player hasn’t fulfilled his contract with the club… given that breach the club will not pay this renewal bonus,” Barcelona spokesman Josep Vives said on 4 August.
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